Secretly Incredibly Fascinating
Alex Schmidt
A weekly podcast about the history, science, lore and surprises that make everyday things secretly incredibly fascinating. Hosted by comedy writer, emoji creator, and ‘Jeopardy!‘ champion Alex Schmidt. Join Alex & his co-host Katie Goldin for a joyful deep dive into seeing the world a whole new way! (For research sources, bonus episodes, and how you can support the podcast, visit sifpod.fun.)
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Nighthawks (1942)
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why the painting "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper is secretly incredibly fascinating. (Here's a direct link to see the painting: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/111628/nighthawks)Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
22 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Cheddar Cheese
Alex Schmidt, Katie Goldin, and special guest Ben Partridge explore why cheddar cheese is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 7min
Computer Mice
Dive into the quirky origins of the computer mouse, initially funded by NASA during the space race. Discover how mice evolved from clunky ball designs to sleek optical versions, intertwined with fascinating anecdotes. Explore the pace of pro gamers hitting up to 500 actions per minute and the peculiarities of mouse-clicking strategies. Reflect on gender dynamics in tech and the social shifts surrounding this iconic device. With humor and insightful commentary, the podcast uncovers the unexpected significance of everyday tech.
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 7min
Road Atlases
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why road atlases are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Dec 30, 2024 • 5min
a holiday hello, and a live episode about weasels!
Happy holidays from us (Alex and Katie)! Please enjoy this holiday hello. Please also enjoy a full new SIF episode in bonus feeds. And see you in 2025!To hear that live London episode, all about weasels, support us and grab your bonus feeds at maximumfun.org/join
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 7min
Christmas Trees
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why Christmas trees are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 5min
Antidisestablishmentarianism
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why antidisestablishmentarianism is secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Dec 9, 2024 • 58min
Limes
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why limes are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 12min
Sign Languages
Alex Schmidt and Katie Goldin explore why sign languages are secretly incredibly fascinating.Visit http://sifpod.fun/ for research sources and for this week's bonus episode.Come hang out with us on the SIF Discord: https://discord.gg/wbR96nsGg5
Nov 25, 2024 • 8min
presenting "The Inspectors Inspectors" Episodes 1-3
Hello and happy U.S. Thanksgiving Week! We are thrilled to share the first 3 episodes of "The Inspectors Inspectors", our unique bizarre recap podcast for the TV show funded and produced by the U.S. Postal Service. Hear the show by supporting SIF at https://maximumfun.org/join.SIFpod and "The Inspectors Inspectors" exist because of the generosity of Maximum Fun members. THANK YOU to everyone who does that wonderful thing.Once you're a member, grab "The Inspectors Inspectors" and all your other BoCo using this how-to: https://maximumfun.org/howtoboco/
